Academy 1/72 F-15C MSIP II
By Matt Bittner
The Academy 1/72 F-15C is actually a very nice kit and I would now rank it as "second" in the land of 1/72 F-15. While the Platz F-15 is a little nicer overall in detail, the Academy kit is still a very viable option, plus Platz has yet to release a U.S. F-15.
The major upgrades with the Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) II were: the capability to carry and launch the AIM-120 AMRAAM; different antennas for various upgrades; a multi-function display; and an upgraded radar. In terms of what the kit provides are new missile rails for both the AMRAAM and the Sidewinder; a new decal for the instrument panel; and the upgraded antennas. Plus, the kit provides four AIM-120s along with the four AIM-9s and a 600 gallon center-line drop tank.
Decals are for five F-15Cs:
- 84-0014, 144 FW/CA ANG, Fresno ANGB, 2013
- 86-0167, 144 FW/CA ANG, Fresno ANGB, 2014
- 85-0100, 142 FW/OR ANG, Portland ANGB, 2014
- 78-0473, 142 FW/OR ANG, Portland ANGB, 2013
Since the decals are produced by Cartograf you can be assured of high-quality.
Unfortunately the cockpit isn't as detailed as the Platz kit, relying on decals for not only the instrument panel but also the side consoles. The ejection seat consists of four parts, without any seat belts (not even decals) and isn't that detailed. Thankfully, though, Eduard has produced a few photoetch sets for the kit that will definitely enhance not only the interior but also includes exterior pieces as well. (Note that Eduard also has released masks for this kit.)
You definitely want to pay close attention to not only kit instructions but it's also best to track down photos of the aircraft you're going to finish this as. Because of the different antennas and antenna configurations you'll need actual proof to how to add them all. A definite great feature of the kit is the inclusion of both "feathered" and "unfeathered" exhausts. Plus you have the feature of displaying the intake ramps "up" or "down".
While I think the Platz kit is a little better, the Academy F-15C is still an extremely viable option and will no doubt look like an accurate F-15 on the shelf.
My thanks to MRC for the review kit.